Once the weather begins to cool off, you might be concerned about how you’ll take full advantage of your heating and cooling. After all, HVAC costs routinely contribute a large chunk of your monthly electric bill. To learn new ways to lower their HVAC bill, some people look closer at their thermostat. Maybe there’s a setting they should use to boost efficiency?

The majority of thermostats include both a ‘Fan’ or ‘Fan On’ setting. But if the fan is on during a typical cycle, what does the fan setting offer for your HVAC system? This guide can help. We’ll share just what the fan setting is and whether you can use it to save money during the summer or winter.

My Thermostat Has a Fan Setting?

For most thermostats, the fan setting indicates that the system’s blower fan remains on. Certain furnaces may continue to operate at a low level in this setting, but for the most part heating or cooling isn’t being generated. The ‘Auto’ setting, on the other hand, will start the fan over a heating or cooling cycle and shut it off after the cycle is over.

There are advantages and disadvantages to using the fan setting on your thermostat, and what’s ideal {will|can|should]] depend on your distinct comfort requirements.

Advantages to trying the Fan/On setting:

  • You can keep the temperature in every room more consistent by allowing the fan to keep generating airflow.
  • Indoor air quality will be highest since constant airflow will keep passing airborne contaminants through the air filter.
  • A smaller number of start-stop cycles for the blower fan helps lengthen its life span. Since the air handler is often a component of the furnace, this means you could avoid needing furnace repair.

Disadvantages to switching to the Fan/On setting:

  • A continuous fan could increase your energy expenses by a small margin.
  • Constant airflow could clog your air filter up more quickly, increasing the frequency you’ll need to replace it.

{Choosing Between|Should My Thermostat Be on|Which Setting for My Thermostat? Fan or Auto in Each Season

Through the summer, warm air can persist in unfinished spaces such as the attic or an attached garage. If you keep the fan running, your HVAC system may gradually move this warm air into the rest of your home, compelling the HVAC system to work more to maintain the preferred temperature. In severe heat, this can result in needing AC repair more often as wear and tear increases.

The reverse can happen in the winter. Cooler spaces like a basement will hold onto cooler air, which may eventually flow into the rest of your home. Leaving the fan running could pump more cold air upward, increasing the amount of heating you need to stay warm.

If you’re still trying to decide if you should use the fan/on setting, keep in mind that every home and family’s comfort needs will vary. Leaving the HVAC system’s fan on might be best for you if:

Someone in your household suffers from allergies. Allergies and other respiratory conditions can be tough on the family. Leaving the fan on is more likely to improve indoor air quality, helping your family breathe easier.

Your home deals with hot and cold spots. Many homes wrestle with persistent hot and cold spots that quickly shift to a temperature different from the rest of the house. The fan setting can help minimize these changes by constantly refreshing each room’s supply of air.